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Vertigo is a distressing sensation of spinning or moving when you are perfectly still, often making simple tasks like getting out of bed feel overwhelming. This loss of equilibrium can lead to nausea, falls, and a significant withdrawal from social and physical activities. At MOOV Physiotherapy & Wellness in Ottawa, we provide vestibular rehabilitation designed to address the root cause of your dizziness and help you return to a stable, active life.
Vertigo is not a disease itself but a symptom of a dysfunction within the vestibular system, which includes the inner ear and the parts of the brain that process balance. It is frequently misunderstood as simple lightheadedness, yet true vertigo involves a distinct feeling of rotation or tilting. When the signals sent from your inner ear conflict with what your eyes see, the brain becomes disoriented, resulting in the debilitating sensation of spinning.
The condition involves a complex interplay between the sensory nervous system and motor coordination. Whether the issue stems from displaced crystals in the inner ear or a post-viral change in nerve sensitivity, it disrupts the body’s natural biomechanics and spatial awareness. Effective treatment focuses on recalibrating these systems, ensuring the brain can once again accurately interpret movement and maintain a steady gaze.
Vertigo typically involves a cluster of sensory and physical symptoms that affect your sense of orientation:
A persistent sensation of spinning, tilting, swaying, or being pulled in one direction.
Loss of balance or unsteadiness while walking, increasing the risk of stumbles or falls.
Nausea or vomiting triggered by head movements or changes in position.
Nystagmus, which is an involuntary flickering or jumping of the eyes.
Visual blurring or difficulty focusing when the head is in motion.
Vertigo is multi-factorial, often arising from mechanical issues in the inner ear or changes in the way the brain processes balance signals.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Small calcium crystals in the inner ear become displaced, causing brief but intense spinning when the head moves.
Vestibular Neuritis: Inflammation of the vestibular nerve, usually following a viral infection, leading to sudden and severe vertigo.
Meniere’s Disease: A condition involving fluid buildup in the inner ear, often accompanied by hearing loss and ringing in the ears.
Labyrinthitis: An infection that affects both the balance and hearing parts of the inner ear.
Cervicogenic Vertigo: Dizziness originating from issues in the joints or muscles of the upper neck that provide incorrect feedback to the brain.
At MOOV Physiotherapy & Wellness, we believe that effective vertigo recovery depends on a highly individualized plan that moves beyond temporary symptom management. Our clinical focus is on performing maneuvers to identify the exact nature of your vestibular dysfunction and implementing an assessment-based care plan to restore your equilibrium.
Your journey to recovery begins with a detailed evaluation including a physical exam and vestibular function testing. Our clinicians use specific tests, such as the Dix-Hallpike maneuver, to observe eye movements and determine the source of the dizziness. By evaluating your balance, gait, and neck mobility, we develop a precise understanding of your condition to ensure safe, effective intervention.
Our treatment strategies focus on repositioning ear crystals and habituating the brain to movement through several key modalities:
Education is a cornerstone of our treatment philosophy, as understanding your triggers is vital for preventing recurrence and managing anxiety. We provide people with the tools for self-management, focusing on home-based balance exercises and techniques to use if a dizzy spell occurs. By identifying your unique triggers and learning how to safely move through them, you can significantly reduce the impact of vertigo and maintain long-term functional health.
We offer a range of therapeutic interventions to support your recovery process.
Physiotherapy
Running Rehab
Pelvic Health
MOOV Specialty Programs
Vestibular Rehabilitation
Home Physiotherapy
Dry Needling/IMS
Telerehab
Choosing MOOV Physiotherapy means working with a team that prioritizes evidence-based treatment and client-centered care. We focus on the whole person, ensuring that your specific lifestyle goals are integrated into your recovery plan. Our clinicians stay current with the latest research in spinal health to provide the most effective care possible in Ottawa.
If dizziness is limiting your independence or making you feel unsafe, professional intervention can help you regain your steady footing. Our team at MOOV Physiotherapy in Ottawa is dedicated to helping you find relief through structured rehabilitation. Contact us today to begin your comprehensive assessment and take the first step toward lasting recovery.
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For the most common type of vertigo, BPPV, many people experience significant relief in just one to three sessions. If the vertigo is caused by a nerve inflammation or a complex balance disorder, the process may take several weeks of habituation exercises. Your therapist will provide a specific timeline after your initial assessment identifies the underlying cause of your symptoms.
If you are experiencing active episodes of vertigo or unpredictable spinning, it is generally advised to avoid driving until you have been assessed. Sudden dizziness behind the wheel can be dangerous for you and others. Once treatment begins and your symptoms are managed or "provoked" only by specific, avoidable movements, your therapist can help you determine when it is safe to return to driving.
Vestibular rehabilitation often involves "provocative" exercises, which means they are designed to briefly trigger your symptoms to help the brain adapt. While you may feel temporarily dizzy during the treatment, this is a necessary part of the recovery process. Our therapists ensure these movements are performed in a controlled environment, providing support and pacing the session to keep your discomfort manageable.
While most vertigo is related to the inner ear, you should seek immediate medical attention if dizziness is accompanied by a sudden, severe headache, double vision, slurred speech, or numbness in the limbs. These can be signs of a more serious neurological issue. If your vertigo is isolated to spinning and balance issues, a vestibular physiotherapist is usually the most appropriate professional for your care.
The registered Physiotherapists at MOOV have extensive experience in the assessment and treatment of various musculoskeletal injuries and chronic conditions including but not limited to:
OHIP does not cover physiotherapy services. However, some extended health care plans may provide coverage for physiotherapy services. It is important to check with your insurance provider to see what type of coverage you have.
No, you do not need a referral to see a Physiotherapist in Ontario. You can book an appointment directly with a Physiotherapist at MOOV.
A Physical Therapist and a Physiotherapist are both health care professionals who specialize in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of musculoskeletal conditions. The main difference between the two is that a Physical Therapist is trained in the United States while a Physiotherapist is trained in Canada.
A Physiotherapist is not necessarily better than a doctor, but they are specialized in the assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. A Physiotherapist can provide you with an individualized plan of care that is tailored to your specific needs.
At MOOV, we understand that your time is valuable and that you want to get back to doing the activities you love as soon as possible. That’s why we offer flexible appointment times and a wide range of treatment plans to ensure that you receive the best care possible.
Say goodbye to chronic pain! Our team of experienced Physiotherapists are dedicated to helping you reach your goals and enhancing your quality of life.
Phone: (613) 422-5070
Hours:
Monday: 7 AM–6 PM
Tuesday: 7 AM–6 PM
Wednesday: 7 AM–6 PM
Thursday: 7 AM–6 PM
Friday: 7 AM–3 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed